Night Criterium events return after 20 years

KUALA LUMPUR: A total 2,000 participants were expected when the Kuala Lumpur Criterium – Night Challenge is organised again, after 20 years, at Dataran Merdeka.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the night cycling championship with 20 categories including women and children would be held on Feb 2 in conjunction with the 2019 Federal Territories Day.

He said the main events of focus would be the men’s open category (40km) and open elite (50km) which would be participated by several national professional cyclists at night, although the carnival would be held the whole day.

‘’Cycling events are already a phenomenon in the national sports industry and keenly followed by the people. Kuala Lumpur is also active in promoting cycling events through the organisation of the KL Car Free Morning every two weeks and, recently, the OCBC Cycling event.

‘’The KL Criterium-Night Challenge also has its own uniqueness. Cycling fans surely understand the concept of the criterium race which is filled with strategy, great sprint tactics and the speed of the cyclists,’’ he said during a ceremony to launch the logo and image of the championship at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Tower yesterday.

Khalid said, other than putting Kuala Lumpur on the world sports map, the event would also give the opportunity to the National Sports Council (MSN) to look out for young racers who could be absorbed to a higher level.

Meanwhile, event director Emir Abdul Jalil said professional teams such as Terengganu Cycling Team (TSG), Team Sapura Cycling and Forca Amskins had shown interest to participate in the championship to vie for the Malaysian Sprint King title, after night criterium was last held in 1999.

‘’In addition, we are also trying to bring in racers from countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. The championship will be directly aired through Facebook and YouTube,” he said. - Bernama